Page:Prophecies of Thomas Rymer (3).pdf/23

( 23 ) This, together with his activity, rendered him very conspicuous, as he rode before the lines. An English Knight, named Bohun, who was ranked among the bravest in Edward's army, came galloping furiously up to him, in order to engage with him in single combat, expecting by so eminent an act of chivalry, at once to put an end to the contest, and gain immortal renown to himself; but the enterprizing champion having missed his first blow, was immediately struck dead with the battle-ax which the King carried in his hand. This was a sort of signal for the charge. So bold an attack upon their King, filled the Scots with sentiments of revenge; and the heroic achievement performed by him before their eyes, the royal exploit raised their spirits to the highest pitch. They rushed furiously upon the enemy, who, having by this time passed the river in great numbers, gave them a warm reception.—A singular occurrence, which some accounts represent as an accidental tally of patriotic enthusiasm, others as a premeditated stratagem of King Robert, suddenly altered the face of affairs, and contributed greatly to the victory: All the servants and attendants of the Scottish army, who are said to have amounted to twenty thousand, had been ordered, before the battle, to retire behind Murray's Craig. But having, during the engagement, arranged themselves in a martial form, they marched to the top of the hill, and displaying